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December 12, 2013

Ten cold weather vintage wardrobe staples

Snow, it won't be long before we'll all be there with snow. Snow, I want to wash my hands, my face and hair with snow. Snow, I long to clear a path and lift a spade of snow. Snow, oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow! So begins one of the most memorable songs from 1954's endlessly beloved classic White Christmas, and it was this tune that pranced merrily through my mind yesterday when I awoke up to another fresh blanket of snow.

We may still technically be a few days away from the start of the next season, but for most of us north of the equator, winter has already moseyed into town, ski gear in tow, and set up camp for what stands to be a lengthy haul.

Interestingly however, unlike summer, which in the Northern Hemisphere is universally warm for pretty much one and and all alike, winter is a bird of a different feather. Ranging anywhere from slightly nippy at most (say, for those in places such as Florida and Hawaii) to frostbite in flash, with temperatures dropping to a teeth chattering -40C or lower still!

Winter's behaviour is not the same across the world, but for most, it does entail significantly cooler temperatures, snow and ice aplenty. You might not have banks piled ten feet high on the side of the road, but chances there's at least the potential for enough of the white stuff to make a pint sized snowman with once during the season.

With the official start of the season so near, it seems only fitting take a gander at look at ten cold weather vintage wardrobe staples that are sure to appeal to all those who love old school fashions and want to stay as snug as a bug in a rug come the long, grey, icicle filled days of this winter.

For the purpose of this post, written by a red blooded Canadian who knows a thing or two about winter's unforgiving wrath, I'm going to assume that you live somewhere that sees something resembling a stereotypical winter each year. It may be a little warmer or a whole lot colder than most, but in short it will contain days that hit or drop below freezing, face snow and ice at least a few times, and doesn't start to feel like spring until March (if you're really lucky!).

This list is, in pretty much every way, the exact opposite of last June's Ten warm weather vintage wardrobe staples. Should you happen to live south of the aforementioned equator, and are heading into summer right about now, you may enjoy revisiting that post, but I hope you'll also have fun reading today's and tucking away this list for a few month's time, when your own environment is cloaked in frosty, wintry loveliness once more.

{Capes}

{At once dramatic and highly functional, capes (and hooded cloaks) are the sort of garment that are going to get your noticed. Even back in the day when they were far more commonly sported, capes demanded attention and got it, because they are so sweepingly, chicly sophisticated and beautiful, and have the rather wonderful added perk of doing a great deal to keep you warm, especially when they're made of cold weather loving fabrics such thick felt, sturdy wool, tweed, suede, fur or velvet.}

{Circle skirts}

{Unless you live in especially mild climates, this isn't the time for thin cottons. No, we're talking heavy-duty 1950s, reproduction, or handmade circle skirts in thick, cold-air-blocking fabrics such as quilted satin (or just about any quilted material - they're so classic and evoke the same kind of elegance as Liz Taylor in the image above), corduroy, velvet, and denim. Likewise, the longer the hem length, the better, to help keep swirling winter winds away from your lovely gams (which are most likely going to be sporting stockings or tights for an extra layer of warmth).}

{Classic overcoats}

{This, in my opinion, should be a wardrobe staple of every man, woman and child the world over, no matter if they're vintage fashion fans of not. For those who are however, you're in luck, as a bevy of vintage winter coats are still with us to this day. Typically, you'll want to track down those that hit at the knee or longer, are lined, have full length (or at the very least, bracelet length) sleeves, a sturdy collar, and pockets to tuck cold fingers into. Wool, cashmere, fur, tweed, and Persian lamb's wool are all excellent choices for this bracing time of the year.}

{Crinolines}

{Though one might associate crinolines (aka, pettiskirts) with full skirted summer frocks, they actually work extremely well under cold weather skirts and dresses and provide an excellent layer of padding between you and the elements (something our petticoat loving foremothers knew well!). I've worn tights, a crinoline, a circle skirt, blouse or sweater, scarf, gloves, heavy coat, and boots in January and actually broken into a slightly sweat while outside a few times before, because I was so well protected from the chill.}

{Headkerchiefs}

{When stacked side-by-side, comparably fewer vintage coats had hoods than their modern counterparts, which means that most of us will be look for some other way to keep our ears from all but freezing off during the winter. Enter the humble headkerchief/head scarf. Once a wardrobe staple of many women, today this classic garment is rarely seen in the western world, however it strongly deserves to find itself a place in your closet come the first signs of the season. Not only will it help ensure your ears stay comfortable, but it's also a great way to help keep the wind, rain, and snow from causing havoc on your hairdo.}

{Housecoats}

{Fashion isn't merely what you show the outside world, it's also what you don when inside the comfort of your own home, and let's face it, during the winter, that's where many of us spend a good deal of our time, so it stands to reason that we should look glamorous while relaxing around the house, too. Few garments can help you achieve that more quickly that a classic, sophisticated house coat - preferably something in a thick, quilted fabric that hits at least mid-calf and can be worn both for warmth and elegance alike on even the most bone shatteringly cold winter mornings.}

{Long sleeved dresses}

{For those of us who aren't massive fans of our upper arms (I'd shoot my hand up in the air there, but you know...upper arms and all ;)) and/or prefer to dress modestly, winter's call for long sleeved garments is a sartorial godsend. Whether you love or loath your arms, common sense dictates that this is the season for sleeves! Embrace those fabulous vintage wool crepes, thick cottons, rayon crepe, velvets, and knits that feature three-quarter of full length sleeves with reckless abandon - I promise you, your forearms will thank you the next time an icy arctic blast strikes.}

{Muffs}

{Muffs are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, one of my favourite vintage winter garments of all time. They can be small and sweet, over-sized and glamorously worldly, or anywhere in between, and all serve the save general purpose: to keep your hands wonderfully warm while ensuring you're most sharply dressed gal this side of the North Pole.}

{Vests (waistcoats)}

{This is one of the items that I need to stick a Post-It note up in my closet to remind myself to wear more often. I love the look of, and extra layer of warmth that, a classic fitted vest provides, but all too often forget to give them the attention they deserve. This winter, I vow to do just that and encourage you to do so as well, if you've been neglecting your vests in recent years.}

{Winter boots}

{Believe me when I say that I wholeheartedly understand how finding genuine vintage winter boots in one's size and price range can be an uphill battle of epic proportions, but that doesn't mean you have to toss in the towel completely. Instead (or in addition to) try to hunt down vintage reproduction footwear sellers who offer winter styles, try classic black or brown lace up boots, or keep your eyes peeled for modern version with a classic look that can partner well with your awesome vintage style.}

{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}

♥ ♥ ♥

Winter is a harsh season, but it has its good points as well, and I firmly believe that many of this seasons’ fashions fall squarely under that heading. There is something so soul comforting and fun about layering, snugly into the folds of a plush cape, sweater, or fur (real or faux, as you prefer) collar of a vintage coat, scarves and mitts never far from sight - or skin!

Throughout the year, I periodically receive questions regarding tips on how to wear vintage during the winter, and I hope that the ten garments listed here today will help one and all who may be curious about this topic. It's no harder to wear vintage during the winter than it is any other time of the year. Yes, some of your lightest weight, most summery pieces may have to go on hiatus for a little while, but don't feel that this means you're limited to just a couple of styles or looks.

When Old Man Winter comes a knocking, greet him at the door in nubby tweeds, glamorous velvets, plush knits, hearty denim, opaque hosiery, kitten-paw-soft corduroy, or even your favourite cashmere sweater - and don't skimp on the extras either!

Unlike summer, when a less is more approach tends to naturally rise to the surface, winter's muted outdoor palette practically begs to be livened up with everything from jaunty feather adorned hats to gold chains, glittery brooches, silver hoop earrings, scarves of all manner, cold blocking gloves, ornately patterned or woven tights, even adorable ear muffs. You needed look like a Christmas tree of course, but if you feel so inclined, this is the season to do it.

Banish cold weather doldrums with the colours that you use. Grey, black, white, navy, and brown are all fine of course, and make for great supporting players, but why not liven things up with hues so vibrant they look as though they've just been plucked from a greenhouse?

If bold colour isn't your bag, take a cue from winter's softer shades and inject hits of pastels, dusty hues, icy whites, and cool metallics into your ensembles? A grey skirt suit, for example, with a mint green blouse and silver jewelry, or a pair of high waisted blue jeans (extra bonus points if they're flannel lined!) worn with a cream hued angora sweater and pale pink or blue accessories.

Winter may demand a certain degree of practicality, but that doesn't mean for a split second that they have to be boring, repetitive or lacking in exuberance. Whether your wardrobe is massive or miniature, a few key pieces such as those listed above, partnered with a lovely array of accessories and winter appropriate legwear and shoes, should be enough to help you come up with fun, inventive, beautiful outfits from the first snowflake to the last.

46 comments:

you speak from my heart :-)knowing as the "snow princess" i looove winter ( you already know it) and vintage-y winter clothes to stay warm. i know the little sweat at -10°c too when wearing a quilted crinoline, woolen dirndl skirt, -leggings, -socks, -sweater and -scarf with a lamb fur coat. and a muff - of cause ;-)this year i found finally the perfect booties - like the red ones in your ad, just black, with lamb fur inside. where? at the granny section in a big shoe chain!bisous!

I adore the idea of a matching coat and hat for winter. I also live in my fur coat and enjoy wearing my mink muff for evening and outdoor walks! If I could add an eleventh, it would surely be a lovely pair of gloves.

I've wanted to add a cape for some time to my wardrobe, but have wondered if it would be practical. And on a complete side note I have a brother who works for Milliken and they still make nice textiles and fabrics. Wish they still made fabulous capes!I too, and still on a search for affordable vintage/vintage-esque winter boots. *sigh* even the repros are expensive. Hopefully we'll both find some one day.

I never think winter clothing is boring; in fact, I prefer colder weather clothing because I love the layered look - so much more potential for interesting combinations of colors and fabrics.

I absolutely adore vests! Capes are fun and great for snuggling warmth. In cold weather, I often have worn several cotton petticoats under my skirts. I grew up in Wisconsin and Minnesota wearing skirts nearly every day of winter.

Isn't is wonderfully cozy to have a beautiful and fashionable housecoat? Wearing on makes me not want to get dressed.

A lovely post indeed dear Jessica. I wish muffs were more in style and that I might see fine ladies wearing them dashing about. I'm trying to gear up for winter too. I think scarfs are a marvelous idea as they can wrap around your neck and keep you warm. I love your idea of a rather large "headkerchief". I just recently found out about "wing tip" scarfs and bought one. I really love this idea. I was wearing mine yesterday:)

Oooh, what a terrific piece to add to your cold weather wardrobe. I don't yet have an wingtip scarves in my collection - hopefully one day. What does your new beauty look like?

I completely agree - muffs are one the absolute loveliest accessories ever. It's a shame that they've fallen out of wide spread use (often the only place you see them now is on the bride and her bridesmaids during winter weddings in cold climates). I have one small vintage one and one modern "funky fur" one (bought on eBay years ago), both of which come into heavy rotation from November onward.

It it is indeed. There are still some great clothes on the market, but overall, few are made as well or beautifully as those from the mid-twentieth century, I completely agree. Thank goodness vintage lovers the world over are keeping these looks alive in our own stylish ways. I hope that such will always continue to be the case, even centuries from now.

You're speaking my language! Winter is my very favourite season. I have yet to experience a white Christmas though! There is nothing like swooping about in a cape, although I only have a black velvet one I made for Halloween a few years back. I do have a vintage muff - its a little grubby but too much fun to play with to give away - I'm not sure what fur it is but it's definitely real - kind of coarse and scratchy.

If I could ship you a few crates of Canadian snow to give your first white Christmas, sweet dear, I really would. I think everyone (or at least everyone who wants one) should get to experience a snowy Christmas at least once in their lifetime. I hope you'll be able to some day.

I wonderful what kind of fur your muff? Do you have a picture of it? My interest has been thoroughly piqued by your description of it.

Ohhhhh, one of each please! I need all the items you listed in this post in my closet! Certainly wearing in winter is hard work ... while in summer we have enough in a dress and shoes, however the winter requires us to wear layers of clothing and it is more difficult to combine all of them well. Happy weekend, darling.

Great list! I love the idea of a housecoat. My room is terribly cold in the winter, so I may have to add a housecoat to my wishlist :)

I actually love winter dressing. Having to dress for practicality, as well as style, creates an extra challenge in the winter and makes putting together an outfit more interesting. I do love a challenge! Of course then there are days when I get too lazy for anything more than a huge cozy vintage cardigan and a warm pair of trousers ;)

Winters here in San Diego don't get too terrible, but for someone who is always cold, some of these things would be nice additions to my wardrobe!Especially that quilted house coat. I should search for some pink quilted fabric next time I'm out...

Delighted to know that these ten items are ones that you can still avail of in sunny San Diego. I hope you find some great pink quilted fabric. If none if forth coming, let me know and I'd be happy to keep my eyes peeled for a house coat akin to this while I'm bopping about web. I've seen a few that were fairly similar to it online (for sale on etsy and eBay) over the years.

Thank you very much for your comment & have a fantastic weekend!♥ Jessica

Love this post! Even in the cold, snowy weather ladies still looked feminine. How things have changed, boo. I myself love looking feminine. Though I love vintage, I'm not into rockabilly or such. The Christmas classics from the 1940s-50s are the best! I watch them every year during the holidays.

Same here - Christmas really and truly doesn't feel the same to me without them, especially my all-time favourite December flick, White Christmas.

I'm delighted to know you enjoyed this post, dear April. Things certainly have changed on the cold weather fashion front over the years, but thankfully these timelessly beautiful styles remain alive today in the wardrobes of vintage fans the world over.

These are so great! I haven't taken the best advantage of headscarves, and I should! I'll be trying it. Probably today, because it's sleeting out right now....And I WILL find some good boots! I will not throw in the towel! It is difficult, but you're right... worth it.

Oh, vintage winter fashion. :) I love capes, but only have the small shoulder ones for party use. I wore one at my fifties themed party and will post photos in early January. The long woolen one is to die for, top of elegance. But I do own a vintage dark brown mink muff that matches my mink coat - DH finds it rediculous, but I think it is extremely elegant and use it every time an occassion occurs. And I'm in love with light green petticoat with the pink trimmings, but green petticoats are hard to find. And vintage styled boots, they are top on my wish list. As you already know. It is hard to find vintage styled boots that looks great with skirts. All modern boots they just look, well, modern. Sigh! Have a lovely weekend, dear. :)

Proper way to put it, Jessica!Stellar arguments. And, here's another one: I don't love winter, I appreciate it - because of the Winter I get to see all the beauty of all the other seasons, I get to miss them and long for them.. winter helps us bulk up our emotions (and the Spring is the time to let them Roar) :)You've managed to properly present winter-wear, as it should be: never a dull moment. When embarking winter, one should always wear color. I firmly believe that colors help me brave the winter mornings when I need to get out, fight the foggy sunrise and walk to work. :D

What a fabulous list my dear! I love capes and the textures of velvet or wool are absolutely glorious during winter...very essential even though London's winter chill can't be compared with the 10 foot Canadian snow! We always seem to wish for snow at Christmas time, but it is always late and often arrive in January or February instead. Anyhow...stay warm and have a fabulous weekend!May x'Walking In May' is running a *GIVEAWAY*, find out more here: http://www.walkinginmay.com/2013/12/giveaway-happy-3rd-blog-anniversaryand.html

Love this post Jessica! I'm a big fan of vintage ads and these are lovely. I've never seen Elizabeth Taylor's hair like that before. I think my favorite item is the cozy looking robe, probably because I've got a touch of the flu.

I love that you love this post, sweet Christy! :) I don't think she wore it like that for very long - perhaps it was just for a particular movie role? I'm not honestly sure (though I be there are Liz Taylor experts out there who would know), but whatever the case it really was a cute style on her. I'd happily sport it, too, if I could find a wig like that.

Beautiful set of illustrations for your list, they made me want one of absolutely everything. Actually, reading this made me realise how ill prepared my wardrobe is for properly cold weather. Apart from a fantastic coat ( my grandma's green woollen 1960s one) and a headscarf (a lovely traditional woollen one that my husband bought me back from Russia), I don't have anything on this list. I must set out to remedy this right away!

Fun list, though living where it was recently -37C, I can't say I would dare wear a circle skirt with crinoline on my 20 minute walk to the train station. Too much surface area for cold winter winds to blow up!! Same with capes. I think I would need gloves worn inside the muff, too. The other day my fingers almost froze off after only a moment's exposure!! But if I were driving and only shuttling in and out of a car, I would wear every single one of these things! It's SO hard to be stylish AND warm in the snowy wilds of Edmonton, as a pedestrian. Makes me miss the weather of the coast!

Having spent a couple of winters (and they were very cold ones!) in Calgary when I was younger, I can certainly relate to the freezing temps of Alberta and the unsuitability of a crinoline and circle skirt for those days of particularly extreme weather (Toronto, too, wasn't immune to some rather cold temps and mountains of snow). It can be tricky to be warm and stylish, I agree - great coats (and gloves) can often be one's saving grace there.

Penticton (and the Okanagan as a whole) is often a bit milder in the winter than many other parts of the country, but it's not immune to freezing temps and famous snow of Canada's winters by any means. I'll usually go the crinoline + tights + heavy full skirt + long coat + scarf + muff or gloves route until about -15C, but then, especially if there's blowing snow, I do tend to opt pants if I'm going to be outside for long.

Oh dear! I'm sorry to hear about your fingers. That's scary - I've experienced similar things with both my toes and fingers. I know that you guys got hit was some really, really cold weather (relatively) early this year in Edmonton. I hope dearly that you don't have any more close calls like that this year (or ever!).

i'm a big fan of wearing petticoats in winter time ... they keep you warm! but the one thing that safes me from getting a bladder infection is my ski underwear (panty or knee length). it's perfect under every skirt that ends under your knee.... aaaah, you remind me on my muffs ... where are they?! i have to look for them right away ...

Oh gosh those Winterboots i wish i would have the same in red;) our winter still hash´t arrived, it seems we won´t have white christmas here again :( but then it the snow comes in january and stays till april:( wish you a wonderful weekend!love and kiss,mary

Fear not, everyone has to start someplace when it comes to their vintage winter wardrobe and few (places) can rival owning a couple of fantastic winter coats. They're like complete outfits unto themselves.

I love these and I can't believe I own less than half of these items. Guess it's a good excuse for some shopping :)

A question - what do you wear to bed in the winter? I feel too cold to wear the vintage nightgowns I wear in the summer but I get so sick of wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants! I miss feeling cute while I sleep!

Hi sweet gal, thank you very much for your comment and terrific question! Flannel is my vintage winter sleepwear secret. Whether in long nightgown form or a two-piece set, it's just about the only thing I wear during our long, cold Canadian winters (well, that plus vintage housecoats and bed jackets).

You're super welcome, my dear! Though I don't own any of their's, LL Bean has some wonderfully classic styles, if genuine vintage ones are proving hard to come by: http://www.llbean.com/llb/search/?freeText=Flannel+Nightgowns

While I do love summer, I have to say I adore autumn and winter for their ability to promote accessorising! It's summer here now, but I am going to spend all my time between now and autumn getting a good winter wardrobe together - this post is eternally helpful! And I am also going to spend all my time between now and the colder months finding a pattern to make a coat just like that red one - it is gorgeous, and everything I would ever want in a coat. I might also make it in mint green, since I have that fabric already (but I'll do a red as well, because a girl can't have too many coats!)

I'm Jessica, a lifelong lover of all things antique and vintage, especially those from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

This blog is my visual scrapbook in which I record and share my thoughts on the multitude of sources, people and products that inspire and feed a modern gal's addiction to the past. I also post about the vintage clothes, hairstyles and make-up looks that I adore wearing.

Stay a spell and have a blast as we explore the incomparably fantastic world of vintage history and fashion together.

All images used on this site are credited to their original posters/creators/sources,
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PS...I just wanted to say thank you very much for visiting and to tell you that you're equal parts awesome and beautiful.